Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. If you don’t plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering.
Do you need subfloor over concrete?
Do I Need a Subfloor Over a Concrete Slab? While a subfloor is not necessary to add structural strength when you’ll be laying finish flooring on top of a concrete slab (as in a basement remodel), subflooring over concrete offers two other advantages: Dampness control.
What kind of flooring is best for finished basement?
The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made of PVC making it durable and waterproof.
Do you always need a subfloor?
Everybody needs normal subflooring at the very least since finished flooring is not designed to be attached to joists and wouldn’t be strong enough to hold the people walking on it by itself.
Do you need plywood under carpet?
If the existing floor is damaged enough or there is too much adhesive to clean it off, leaving a smooth surface, it might be necessary to add a layer of underlayment. While there are several different types of specialty underlayment materials on the market, the most common for use under carpeting is ¼” thick plywood.
Can I put a subfloor over concrete?
You need a dry, clean and flat surface before you can install finished flooring in a room built on a concrete slab. One of the simplest options is a sleeper-based subfloor. The result is a subfloor that protects finished flooring from cold and damp concrete-based floors.
What do you use for subfloor on concrete?
As with a floated subfloor, NWFA recommends a vapor retarder for glue-down subfloors when installing ¾” wood flooring over concrete. After installing a vapor retarder (if necessary), cut your plywood panels into 2’x8′ or 4’x4′ sections. The NWFA recommends plywood with a minimal thickness of ¾”.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement floor?
Cheap Basement Flooring Ideas
- Epoxy and Concrete Paint. Paint is generally your cheapest basement floor option. …
- Concrete Stain and Sealer. Concrete stain is another inexpensive option. …
- Linoleum or Vinyl. …
- Ceramic Tile Flooring. …
- Rubber and Foam Mats. …
- Traditional Carpet Flooring. …
- Laminate or Engineered Hardwood.
Can mold grow under vinyl flooring on concrete?
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring on concrete. This is one of the most common issues faced by people buying a house without knowing how to properly assess the condition of the floor and subfloor.
Do you need a subfloor for vinyl plank flooring?
If you’re laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, then you won’t need to use an underlayment. However, you’ll want to use one in every other application including covering existing hardwood floors, vinyl flooring that isn’t cushioned, and concrete floors.
What should be underneath carpet?
Carpet padding is a type of foam cushion used underneath carpeting. Without the right padding, a new carpet may not lay as well or can be uncomfortable.
Do you need a subfloor for carpet?
A basement subfloor is a layer that is built below the floor covering (carpeting, laminate, etc.) and above the bottom-most floor, usually concrete. Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed.
What do you put under carpet?
You saw the carpet underlayment, also called carpet padding or carpet pad. This padding or underlayment adds a carpet cushion beneath the carpet that protects the flooring beneath it such as hardwood or laminate flooring and adds to its thickness and comfort.
What type of carpet does not need underlay?
Felt-backed carpets
Felt-backed carpets do not require underlay, and so are ideal if you’re buying carpet on a tight budget. Felt-backing provides comfort underfoot as well as protection for your carpet pile.
What is the wood under carpet called?
Subfloor
What Is a Subfloor? A subfloor is the solid material beneath your floor covering. It is attached to your home’s floor joists and acts as a base for your finished flooring, such as carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, etc. Typically, a subfloor is made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) panels.
How smooth should carpet be for flooring?
Carpet flooring is one of many different materials you choose from when it comes to covering a subfloor. The only real stipulation before you can begin the installation is that the floor should be flat so that the carpet will also be flat on top of the subfloor surface.
Can carpet be laid on uneven floor?
You can’t install carpet on uneven flooring because an uneven subfloor will cause the carpet to receive uneven weight. This will only intensify wear and tear damage. Prior to installing the carpet, the subflooring has to be prepared to optimize the longevity of the flooring and prevent damage.
How do you prepare subfloor for new carpet?
Follow these guidelines to prepare your floor and protect your new carpet investment!
- Protect yourself. …
- Protect others. …
- Clear floor of any staples or nails. …
- Flatten the floor. …
- Pull out any defective tack strips. …
- Clean the floor. …
- Replace any damaged subflooring. …
- Clean or paint the baseboards.
What do you put on floor before laying carpet?
Prepare the Subfloor
Remove any existing carpet or flooring. Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the subfloor. The subfloor should be clean, level, free of cracks or other damage and completely dry. Make any necessary repairs before installing new carpet.
How do you prepare plywood for carpet?
Clean the plywood. If the flooring is new, you most likely do not need to do anything other than sweep or vacuum the floor. If the flooring is old, clean up stains by using a broom and some diluted vinegar or bleach. Use the broom to lightly scrub the vinegar or bleach water into any dirt or stains on the floor.
Can you put hardboard under carpet?
The grippers can go on top without any issues. The thickness of hardboard is almost nonexistent. The carpet will still tuck in between the grippers and skirting just like it should do. The carpet doesn’t need to go under the skirting, if there’s a gap, it’ll still be able to be used but isn’t necessary.
